What does "sudden cardiac arrest" refer to?

Sudden cardiac arrest specifically refers to the abrupt cessation of heart function, meaning that the heart stops beating unexpectedly. This condition can lead to a sudden loss of consciousness and, without immediate medical attention, can result in death within minutes. It is typically caused by issues such as arrhythmias, which are abnormal heartbeats that disrupt the heart's normal rhythm, leading to a failure in the heart's pumping action.

The other options describe different cardiovascular conditions that do not align with the definition of sudden cardiac arrest. For instance, one option mentions a slowing heart rate, which would not result in an immediate cessation of function, while another refers to gradual heart failure, which denotes a chronic condition rather than an instant event. Long-term heart issues also do not encapsulate the immediacy and acute nature of sudden cardiac arrest, but instead refer to ongoing conditions that can lead to a variety of health complications over time.